Who understands? The aloof female ruler always flirts without even realizing it.

For the next few medals, Arthur White always made the first bid, but the bids from the top-tier box were always much louder than his, and he could only bid once and could not raise the price based on the other side's bid.

As the last medal was presented, the auctioneer's voice unconsciously carried a sense of awe. He carefully held the velvet tray, his fingertips turning slightly white with nervousness.

"Order No. 79, 'Star Crown Medal,' is the highest-ranking military merit medal in the Empire, awarded only to female soldiers who have made contributions that could change the course of the war. Starting bid: 100,000 Star Coins, with each bid increment no less than 10,000 Star Coins."

"Bidding has begun!"

Before he could finish speaking, Arthur White took a deep breath, the emotions surging in his chest almost overwhelming his reason. He stood up almost immediately, his voice taut with the last vestiges of stubbornness:

"50 Star Coins!"

The voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet meeting room, carrying an unmistakable determination. The adjutant beside him tugged at his sleeve, his eyes filled with anxiety, but Arthur White didn't turn to look at him.

He knew all too well what this medal meant to Karandal.

As the general stood on the podium at the military headquarters, sunlight shone on his face: "This honor has never belonged to me alone. Every victory is inseparable from the comrades who fought alongside me."

That image is still etched in Arthur White's heart. Even if he couldn't win, he wanted to fight for that medal one last time.

But the next second, the electronic bidding from the No. 3 VIP box remained perfectly calm, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, instantly drowning out all other sounds.

"100 Star Coins".

The entire room fell completely silent; even the sound of breathing seemed to have disappeared.

Arthur stood frozen in place, his body slumping down as if all his strength had been drained away. He looked at his slightly trembling hands, his nails digging deeply into his palms, yet he felt no pain.

The adjutant lowered his voice, his tone full of admonition: "General, give up... We can't win. Continuing will only embarrass us."

Arthur White didn't speak, but stared intently at the auctioneer as he brought down the gavel. He watched as the medal, symbolizing the highest honor, was put into a velvet box by a waiter. In the end, he just closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, all that remained was a deep sense of loss.

-

In the backstage handover room, warm yellow light illuminated the seven medals on a velvet tray.

The waiter held the tray with both hands, bowed slightly, and handed it to Shen Yan, his tone almost reverent:

"Sir, all the medals you photographed are here. Each one has been carefully wiped clean to ensure there is no damage. Please inspect them."

After confirming that everything was in order, Shen Yan carefully placed the tray into the custom-made briefcase that had been prepared in advance. The inside of the briefcase was lined with soft velvet, which was just enough to hold the medal firmly in place and prevent it from being damaged by shaking.

He carried the suitcase, turned, and walked out of the private passage. Several retro wall lamps hung in the corridor outside the passage, casting long shadows on the ground in a dim yellow light.

Just as he reached the end of the corridor, a figure suddenly emerged from the shadows beside him and blocked his way.

It's Arthur White.

His blond hair was a little messy, and the stray hairs on his forehead were damp with sweat and stuck to his full temples. His breathing was slightly heavy, clearly indicating that he had run all the way here.

Upon seeing Shen Yan, he immediately bowed, his posture showing obvious tension and respect, his voice still somewhat unsteady:

"...Lord Xiongzi, please wait a moment!"

Shen Yan stopped and slowly turned around. The light from the wall lamp fell on him, as if coating him with a soft halo.

The male insect has a slender body, and the hem of its black coat sways gently in the breeze. Its eyes are pure black, like fine black jade bathed in moonlight, clear and deep.

His eyelashes were long and thick, casting a light shadow under his eyes, giving him a youthful and refined look. Even his skin had a cool, white glow. Although he looked like he had just come of age, he possessed a noble air that made even insects hesitant to defile him.

Arthur White's breath hitched for a beat, his heart pounded as if gripped tightly by an invisible hand, burning hot and racing, and even his blood seemed to flow faster at that moment.

Having lived for decades, I've had the privilege of seeing several males of noble status, most of whom possess an innate arrogance and a disdain for females hidden in their eyes. But this male before me is different.

His gaze was as gentle as a spring breeze. When it fell on the insect, there was no sense of oppressive condescension. Instead, it made the insect feel at ease.

"What is it?"

Shen Yan's voice rang out again, gentle and clear, like a mountain stream flowing over jade, crisp and melodious, instantly disrupting Arthur White's mind.

His throat tightened, and his ears felt hot. He subconsciously gripped the hem of his shirt, his fingertips crumpling the fabric.

Instinct made him unconsciously lower his stance, his tone filled with reverence, and a hint of softness he himself was unaware of:

"Greetings, Your Excellency. I am Arthur White, newly appointed as a General in the Army. Previously... I was the deputy general under Commander Kalandall."

"I know you paid a high price for these medals, and I know this is presumptuous, but I still want to... could you please resell them to me? I'll transfer as many star coins as you want to your account immediately!"

Although he knew in his heart that the probability of buying back the medal was extremely low.

What a man desires, he will not easily give up, especially not something that someone of such high status like this gentleman.

But he still wanted to try, even if there was only a one in ten thousand chance.

Looking at Shen Yan's gentle features and the briefcase containing medals he was carrying, a ridiculous yet heart-pounding thought suddenly popped into Arthur White's mind.

Her heart felt like it had been gently bumped by something. What if... what if he could become this man's female servant?

Once the thought popped into his head, it was like a wildly growing vine, instantly entangling Arthur White's thoughts.

He is a general in the military, and in terms of military achievements and abilities, he is among the top female insects. He is also the eldest son of the famous Arthur family.

According to the rules of the empire, she was fully qualified to be a male's female attendant, and even a female ruler was no less qualified.

Moreover, if he were to become the male's female servant, wouldn't Calander's medals be rightfully his?

Although it's not directly in one's palm, it's better for the medal to be in the hands of one's own powerful lord than to be lost to the outside world.

At least it ensures that they will not be desecrated and that this glory belonging to Kalandar can be protected. Isn't this another kind of "reclaiming"?

More importantly, he felt no resistance whatsoever to the gentle and noble male son; on the contrary, he harbored a secret expectation.

If I could gain this gentleman's favor, even being criticized would seem...

Arthur's ears turned slightly red. He subconsciously lowered his head to avoid Shen Yan's gaze, his fingers clenching into fists nervously at his sides.